Judge Blocks Guns in National Parks

Federal judge blocks controversial Bush-era rule allowing concealed firearms in national parks

Get ready to raise those hackles, gun advocates and critics: A federal judge has blocked the controversial Bush administration rule change that allowed concealed weapons in national parks. Since Jan. 9, concealed weapons have been permitted in national parks as long as it doesn't violate state regulations, but U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly's preliminary injunction against the rule changes that.

Kollar-Kotelly issued her ruling after the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the National Parks Conservation Association, and the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees filed suit claiming the Bush administration violated several existing laws in their rush to allow guns in national parks. The judge agreed, calling the government's process in passing the regulation "astoundingly flawed."

For its part, not even the entire Obama administration is in agreement: The Justice Department was hoping to block any injunctions against the rule.

Our Spidey Sense tells us this issue is far from over. Keep checking the Dirt for updates.

—Ted Alvarez

Judge Blocks Bush Rule Allowing Concealed Weapons in National Parks (Washington Post)

PRINT THIS PAGE EMAIL THIS PAGE RSS FEED

Digg Delicious Yahoo Facebook Reddit StumbleUpon Google Newsvine Facebook Twitter

READERS COMMENTS

I'm sure the grieving husband and children of the park ranger who was shot by a nut with a gun feel comforted by the above comments.

Posted: Jan 02, 2012 Jill

Come January 2010, CCW holders will be able to carry in National Parks again if they are licensed to do so!

Posted: Aug 14, 2009 Nash Carr

Everyone that believes "Guns" kill or cause people to kill must believe that there is no God. Only living things (humans, animals, etc) will or can make the decision to kill. And remember a sign or law saying "no guns allowed" is a sign saying "free-fire zone" come on in and kill these "sheeple". I am not a "sheeple" but I am a guard dog! But, if you "sheeple" disarm me by taking away my gun or right to carry, then I connot protect you!! And many of you will not make the effort to protect yourselves! So "sheeple" say your prayers and prepare to be killed!
Posted: Mar 28, 2009 Templedog2

Guns are like seat belts...added protection only when you need them. But you have to be able utilize them at the right time. One thing that so many forget. US Citizens are alive in this world for one reason and one reason only. We propose a threat of defense to the rest of the world. This is not the way I would like it or the way I think it should be but it is what it is. America's history has always involved firearms and weapons and I imagine will continue to do so. But getting back to the point....wear your seat belt and forget about the dangers of driving.
Posted: Mar 28, 2009 BMatt

Guns kill people like spoons made Rosie O'Donnell fat.
Posted: Mar 27, 2009 brewster

I'm CC licensed and I always carry. I've been trained, tested, vetted, and I requalify at least twice each year. In decades of carrying a weapon, I've never drawn it on another person, nor have I even come close. I expect that I never will. However, I am a Protector. If I'm ever in a situation where a nutjob is attempting to kill innocent people, I will run TOWARD the shooter, not away regardless of harm to myself.
Posted: Mar 27, 2009 Eduardo

Terry P:The perp that gunned down 30+ students at VTech bought his weapons legally after the "exhaustive" background check which seemed to miss the part where he spent several weeks in a mental institution. I feel so comforted that the government makes sure that only law abiding citizens are allowed to have weapons and of course they would NEVER use them in the commission of a crime. Yea, right

You missed the point or intentionally overlooked it. We're not talking about buying a gun. We're talking about having a concealed carry permit and having it in your possession in a public place. There is a big difference that the gun haters don't seem to care about.

Roger D.
Posted: Mar 27, 2009 Anonymous

It never fails to amaze me that you SHEEP who stand around hoping that the butcher won't notice you insist that those of us who will not go down without a fight join your flock. Ban the guns and everything will be one big Kumbaya.
Horrific tragedies such as V-Tech, Columbine, Killeen, etc.etc.are constantly brought up as examples for stricter controls. Do you really think another legislated control would have stopped these "poor troubled" psychotic scumbags?
The common factor in these slaughters is large numbers of victims cowering under tables while the perpetrator strolled among them shooting at will. If just one person there was armed and able to react, the body count would have been a lot lower.
And, unfortunately, the parks are not exempt from the violence. Anyone who utilizes ane monitors parks knows that violence routinely occurs in them. The Appalachian Trail is an example. The murders and rapes on the Trail could have been prevented.
My gun is no threat to you, but it could possibly save you, as myself and other responsible people would come to your aid if we happened to be there.
Personally, my gun has killed less people than Ted Kennedy's driver license and rampaging hormones.
Posted: Mar 27, 2009 Dale Wysocki

Let me guess, Charles B. and Sean Williams live in California, Oregon or somewhere east of the Missouri River. With the two above-listed exceptions, out west, we are as comfortable with people carrying guns as you city-slickers are getting a manicure at your local day spa. Gun control is good for only one thing: disarming law abiding citizens. The bad guys don't care about your "gun free zones" and other silly regulations. They just walk right past your "No Weapons Allowed Sign" and do their evil deeds. At least I'll have more than my freshly manicured fingernails to defend me and my family when it really matters. If our founding fathers and countrymen had your silly gun control opinions in the 1700s, you'd still be talking with a British accent. Their guns, blood and lives bought our freedom.
Posted: Mar 26, 2009 Jason K. Nelsen

"A person legally able to carry a gun has been given an exhaustive background check and is of no danger whatsoever to you or I"

The perp that gunned down 30+ students at VTech bought his weapons legally after the "exhaustive" background check which seemed to miss the part where he spent several weeks in a mental institution. I feel so comforted that the government makes sure that only law abiding citizens are allowed to have weapons and of course they would NEVER use them in the commission of a crime. Yea, right.
Posted: Mar 26, 2009 Terry P

Are guns the problem or the people who use them? I have friends who hunt or have CCW's and they are not in law enforcement. I know Law Enforcement people who are absolutely the most unsafe people whom I have ever met. They drink excessively while in possession of their gun. My friends don't seem to mix the two out of fear of going to jail or losing their rights. I also know people who are heavily into drugs and dealing. I don't know if they have guns but they are indirectly responsible for the murder of people and children. Why don't people trust law abiding, constitutionally protected citizens and yet they trust their corner drug dealer and their alcoholic cops. (yes, most cops are good, as are CCW holders or 99% of all gun owners. There are always fools and criminals in every group)

Trust them until they can't be trusted. So far, CCW holders are proving themselves quite well.
Posted: Mar 26, 2009 Bob Mackley

At home there is this truth: When seconds count, the Police are minutes away. When in the wilderness could they be days away?
Posted: Mar 26, 2009 llamma lifter

At home there is this truth: When seconds count, the Police are minutes away. When in the wilderness could they be days away?
Posted: Mar 26, 2009 llama lifter

At home there is this truth: When seconds count, the Police are minutes away. When in the wilderness could they be days away?
Posted: Mar 26, 2009 lamma lifter

I beleive that legally being able to carry a gun gives you the right to protect yourself. Especially in this time and era. Have you ever been 15 or 20 miles deep in the park and come upon a situation when you really needed a gun to protect yourself, either from animal or man? When will you?
Posted: Mar 26, 2009 bjordan

Was pleased to be able to carry in the Shenandoah National Park for two months. Found some nice trails and enjoyed the scenery. I did so safely as I have managed to do with firearms for about 40+ years. Now, it's back to the GW National Forest which doesn't have a problem with me carry my concealed weapon for which I have a permit to carry.
Posted: Mar 26, 2009 Striker

b
Posted: Mar 26, 2009 b